WASHINGTON: A Senate panel has endorsed a major arms control treaty with Russia, advancing one of President Barack Obama's top foreign policy goals.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved the New START treaty in a 14-4 vote. Three Republicans voted with Democrats — a sign that Obama may get the votes needed for final passage. But it is unclear whether the full Senate will consider the treaty this year.

Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed the treaty in April. It would shrink the limit on strategic warheads by about a third from the current ceiling of 2,200. Some Republicans fear the treaty doesn't include sufficient safeguards to prevent Russian cheating.